Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

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AEGIS-EQUIPPED WARSHIPS SALES TO TAIWAN UNDER CONSIDERATION: PENTAGON

2004-03-06 12:52:49

Washington, March 5 (CNA) A U.S. Defense Department spokesman
said Friday that a newspaper was incorrect when it reported that the
Pentagon has agreed to sell warships equipped with the advanced Aegis
radar system to Taiwan.

The Friday Washington Times report also said that it was the
first time that the Bush administration had agreed to the sale of
such advanced warships to Taiwan.

Nevertheless, the Pentagon spokesman said that selling warships
equipped with the advanced Aegis radar system to Taiwan is "still
under consideration" and that the Defense Department has not yet
approved such arms sales to Taiwan.

The spokesman said that even if the Pentagon agrees to sell the
warships, the sale would need a joint endorsement by the White House
Security Council, and the departments of state and defense.

The newspaper also reported that such arms sales could be
controversial since Aegis-equipped warships are the foundation of
U.S. anti-missile systems, which are expected to be deployed next
year.

The report said that because of mainland China's deployment of an
increasing number of missiles aimed at Taiwan, the island is anxious
to seek anti-missile defense weapons.

Taiwan's defense authorities have long hoped to buy warships
equipped with the advanced Aegis radar system, but mainland China has
strongly opposed the sale because of concerns that the sale could
neutralize the deterrence of its missiles aimed at Taiwan.

Beijing also worries that a U.S. sale of such warships to Taiwan
could represent a reinforcement of military contacts and cooperation
between Taipei and Washington.